The demand for protective gear

A book and the back of a child's backpack are displayed with the effects of bullets that were shot through it without Amendment II's Rynohide CNT Shield. Products like these have seen sales increase dramatically in the wake of violent attacks. - George Frey/Getty Images

Joe Curran is the president of Bullet Blocker. He started his business by making two bulletproof backpacks for his own children. It was a few years after Columbine, and he was nervous about their safety. Then, other parents started to get in touch with Curran.

"Friends and family all asked me for some for their kids," Curran said. "And they said, 'You should start a company.'"

On Bullet Blocker's website, the backpacks sell for around $180 and up. The company also sells vests, helmets, and lab coats. Curran says sales rise after a shooting. Before the Sandy Hook shootings, Curran says he sold around 20 backpacks a week, but in the three weeks after, he says he sold closer to 10,000.

"I see more growth in your average consumer that probably would never even think that I have any relation to someone who might own a gun or come shooting up my place," Solomon said. "Those are now the people that are thinking: 'Am I safe at work?' Or, 'Am I safe in my own church?'"

A day after San Bernardino, Solomon says sales rose 600 percent.

“I think the best compliment I can give is not to say how much your programs have taught me (a ton), but how much Marketplace has motivated me to go out and teach myself.” – Michael in Arlington, VA

As a nonprofit news organization, what matters to us is the same thing that matters to you: being a source for trustworthy, independent news that makes people smarter about business and the economy. So if Marketplace has helped you understand the economy better, make more informed financial decisions or just encouraged you to think differently, we’re asking you to give a little something back.

Become a Marketplace Investor today – in whatever amount is right for you – and keep public service journalism strong. We’re grateful for your support.